Mental Health Professionals Wanted

In addition to regular posts, throughout upcoming weeks we’re going to use the Therapy Soup blog space to bring you fascinating interviews and important information about National National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 6-12, 2012).

But first, a call to action from the Child Mind Institute for our readers who are mental health professionals:

The Child Mind Institute’s “Speak Up for Kids” connects parents and teachers with professionals in their community for free talks on psychiatric and learning disorders and other issues relating to raising healthy, happy kids. Speaking up is the first step to getting kids the help they need.

We’re asking mental health professionals to volunteer to give free talks at schools, libraries, and other community organizations around the country during National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. We make participation easy with the Speak Up for Kids Toolkit to help professionals plan, promote and give the talk – including the PowerPoint presentation and talking points.

Topics include:

• When Bad Things Happen: Helping Children Cope With Traumatic Events – Helps parents and educators to recognize the signs of trauma in children and provides tips for helping children cope at each age level from toddlerhood to adolescence.

• Is It ADHD or Just Inattention? – Provides background information about ADD/ADHD, common myths, overview of treatment and intervention options, and concrete suggestions for parents dealing with a hyperactive or inattentive child.

• Is It Depression or Teen Angst? – Describes the unique characteristics of adolescent depression and how it differs from the adult experience of depression. This talk also provides information about treatment options for depression, as well as resources for finding help for your child or student.

• When to Worry About Your Child’s Worries – Helps adults recognize when their child or students’ worries are actually signs of anxiety or mood disorders that can be treated. This presentation will provide an introduction to several types of anxiety disorders common in children and teens, as well as their signs and symptoms.

• A Parent’s Guide to Bullying – Bullying is a common and widespread problem that can have implications on the mental wellness of the bully and the children being bullied. This presentation helps adults recognize bullying behaviors offers tips for prevention.

* Building Your Education Team—What parents need to know to work effectively with their school and school district to get a child the help he needs to fulfill his potential.

* Parenting 2.0: With children plugged in younger and younger, pointers for parents on how to manage children’s screen and phone time, monitor social media participation, and protect them from cyber-bullies and other predators.